Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 13

Examinees began emerging from the capsules, having completed their practical exams.

The average exam duration was about ten minutes per person. While this seemed short, the program’s adjusted virtual time made it feel like thirty minutes inside the simulation.

Of course, very few lasted the full half hour. The difficulty was calibrated to end most exams within twenty minutes.

A candidate who had entered the capsule next to Suho now stepped out.

“Eleven minutes... shorter than the last cohort,” observed Kim, the examiner, shaking his head as he noted the time.

After hours of supervising, Kim had yet to see any outstanding talents.

Before calling the next candidate, he turned to ask Park, the examiner beside him.

“How long has your candidate been in there?”

“Thirty minutes.”

“...What?”

“Just crossed the thirty-minute mark.”

Thirty minutes? Could that be possible?

Stunned, Kim approached Park’s capsule and checked the monitor.

Indeed, the candidate had been in the dive for over thirty minutes, still fighting like mad against a horde of orcs.

“Is he a warrior? He’s fighting exceptionally well.”

“No, he’s a healer.”

“...What?”

“He’s a healer. Look here.”

Park showed the candidate’s information.

It was true.

The candidate’s name, Ahn Suho, was listed as a healer on the screen.

“But... how is he fighting like that? Isn’t he supposed to be a healer? Isn’t this grounds for disqualification?”

“Not at all. He meets all the requirements, so there’s no reason to fail him.”

At that moment, Jung Chul-min, who was acting as Park’s partner examiner, spoke up.

“As a healer, his main objective is to protect his patient. Look at the screen—he hasn’t left his patient’s side, nor has he abandoned them to fight. He’s even healing them whenever he gets the chance.”

Indeed, Suho was cutting down orcs and tending to his patient when he could.

“With all conditions met, there’s no reason for disqualification. Besides, the exam program isn’t intervening, so why should we?” Jung Chul-min continued, maintaining a serious tone.

“Ah...” Kim muttered, impressed.

With a smile, Jung added, “It seems we already have the top candidate for this exam. Let’s just sit back and see what record he sets.”

Both Kim and Park nodded. After all, they’d never seen anything like this in the history of the practical exam.

***

“Kyahhh!”

Thud!

Another orc fell.

Suho had lost count of how many he’d defeated.

He didn’t mind that he wasn’t earning experience points or items from these battles.

He was gaining something far more valuable.

> [Your proficiency with Iaido has increased significantly.]

> [The system is re-evaluating your talent.]

> [Congratulations! Your Iaido skill has been upgraded to Rank A.]

> [Iaido (A): Your draw-and-slash speed and range have increased.]

His Iaido skill had leveled up. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

And not just that—his Decapitation skill reached Rank A, and he acquired other skills, such as Hilt Strike, Blade Strike, and Ankle Slash, all of which were also enhanced to A rank.

‘This is an incredible opportunity.’

Suho was thrilled.

Without having to enter a Gate, he could restore his skills in this way.

Of course, he didn’t neglect his patient. While skill recovery was essential, protecting the patient remained his top priority.

After cutting down yet another wave of orcs, another notification appeared.

> [Your understanding of swordsmanship is unparalleled.]

> [The system is in awe of your mastery and fully acknowledges your unique swordsmanship.]

> [Would you like to register a new swordsmanship skill that combines basic techniques and footwork?]

> [Upon registration, the skill will receive a new grade, and you may assign it a name.]

‘Finally!’

Suho’s eyes widened at the notification.

At last, the system recognized his skills completely.

Without hesitation, Suho responded.

> [Please name your newly created swordsmanship.]

The answer had long been decided.

“Suho Sword.”

> [Confirm the name as “Suho Sword”?]

“Yes.”

> [Congratulations! The system acknowledges your supreme skill level and has created a new, unique swordsmanship skill just for you.]

> [You have created the skill “Suho Sword (S)”.]

> [Your basic swordsmanship and footwork skills have both been enhanced by 50%.]

Suho beamed as he read the notification.

Finally, he had the Suho Sword.

In his past life, it had taken him over ten years to create this technique. Now, he had obtained it in just a few days.

Though he had already been using the Suho Sword as it was ingrained in his body, there were other reasons he wanted to claim it officially as soon as possible.

> [You have achieved a remarkable feat. The system grants you a bonus of 10 stat points.]

Another notification appeared.

By achieving the Suho Sword, Suho received an additional 10 bonus stat points.